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In Istanbul, selected as Europe's cultural capital, the transportation network is so developed that you can reach anywhere you want using public transportation. However, traffic congestion can sometimes occur due to the city's population and the influx of tourists year-round, regardless of the season. The metro is used as the main transportation vehicle on both the Anatolian and European sides. It is considered the best alternative as it does not get stuck in traffic. Municipal buses and minibuses are the other alternatives. The metrobus and ferries, among public transportation vehicles, serve to connect the two continents. You can use the IstanbulKart on all public transportation vehicles except for minibuses. If you don't have an IstanbulKart, you can buy a single-use ticket from ticket machines. In addition to public transport, taxis are frequently preferred for inner-city transportation due to their very affordable prices.
Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located approximately 15 kilometers from the Pendik Sea Bus Pier and Pendik Train Station. The airport is about 50 km from Taksim and 40 km from Kadıköy. Therefore, while you can reach Sabiha Gökçen Airport via public transport like buses, as well as Marmaray and metro connections, you can also get there by renting a car or calling a taxi if you are in a hurry.
Public Transportation Vehicles (Havabüs Buses, IETT Buses, Metro)
Havabüs Buses
Havabüs buses are an ideal way for those who want to travel from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Taksim or Kadıköy, with a fare that varies depending on your destination. These buses depart from right opposite the exit on the arrivals floor of the airport terminal building and go directly to in front of the Divan Hotel in Taksim after departing the airport. Havabüs buses operating on routes such as 1. Levent, Zincirlikuyu, Kavacık – FSM Bridge, and Taksim start their services at 04:00 in the early morning and end at 01:00 at night. The journey takes about 1 – 1.5 hours to reach your desired point. Another route is to Kadıköy. Kadıköy Havabüs buses depart from in front of the IETT bus stops at the pier and reach Kadıköy via Yeni Sahra and the TEM connection road. To get to Sultanahmet, you can take the Havabüs buses to Kadıköy, then cross to Eminönü/Sirkeci via Marmaray or ferry connection, and finally reach Sultanahmet Square by tram.
IETT Buses
There are many IETT bus lines that allow you to reach different parts of Istanbul from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. You can reach 4. Levent with bus E3, Bostancı with E9, Kadıköy with E10, Kadıköy with E11 (frequent express service), Altunizade and Ümraniye with E18, Uzunçayır Metrobus with 16S, Pendik and Kartal with 132H, and Pendik Metro with KM22. Furthermore, as of 2025, the M4 Kadıköy – Sabiha Gökçen Metro Line offers direct metro access to the airport. You can use these lines with an IstanbulKart or single-use tickets. For longer stays, you can travel at a discount by choosing a Mavi Kart or IstanbulKart.
Car Rental
To get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul's city center by private car via the shortest and most comfortable route, you first need to use the TEM highway or E5 motorway, located 1.5 kilometers away. Then, using the signs and indicators for your direction, you can easily reach almost anywhere in Istanbul.
On the other hand, if you want to rent a car, there are dozens of car rental companies serving at the airport terminal. Prominent companies include RentGo, Sixt, Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget. As of 2025, car rental offices are located in both the domestic and international terminals.
Taxi
In addition to taxis you can call via apps like Uber and BiTaksi, Sabiha Gökçen Airport taxis operate 24 hours a day. These taxis, which you can easily find at the terminal exit, charge a fixed rate per kilometer.
According to 2025 current tariff information, the per kilometer fee for yellow taxis in Istanbul is 25.48 TL, and the starting fee is 90 TL. The taxi journey from the airport to Taksim Square takes an average of 50-70 minutes, depending on traffic density.
There are many transportation alternatives to get from Istanbul Airport to the city center. IETT buses are the primary option, while Havaist shuttles are also widely used.
Thanks to the Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport metro line opened in 2023, it is now also possible to reach the city center by metro. Furthermore, the Halkalı – Istanbul Airport metro line is planned to open gradually in 2025.
For passengers who prefer comfort or are in a hurry, taxi, car rental, and transfer options are also available.
Public Transportation Vehicles (Municipal Bus, Airport Shuttle, Metro)
Municipal Bus
You can go from Istanbul Airport to the city center by municipal buses, the most frequently used means of intracity transportation. Some current lines include:
H-1: Mahmutbey Metro – Istanbul Airport
H-2: Mecidiyeköy – Istanbul Airport
H-3: Halkalı – Istanbul Airport
H-8: Hacıosman Metro – Istanbul Airport
The IstanbulKart can be used on these buses; cash payment is not valid.
Airport Shuttle
As of 2025, Havaist shuttles serve on more than 10 lines. Prominent routes include:
IST-1: Yenikapı – Bakırköy – Istanbul Airport
IST-5: Beşiktaş – Taksim – Istanbul Airport
IST-7: Kadıköy – Kozyatağı – Istanbul Airport
IST-19: TÜYAP – Istanbul Airport
The IstanbulKart is also valid on these shuttles, and payment can also be made by credit card via the Havaist mobile application.
Metro
As of 2025, the Gayrettepe – Istanbul Airport metro line is operational, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
The Halkalı – Istanbul Airport metro line will integrate with Marmaray and other metro lines once completed.
Private Transportation Vehicles (Taxi, Car Rental, Transfer)
Taxi
Although the distance between Istanbul Airport and the city center is long, taxis are advantageous, especially for those with a lot of luggage. In 2025, the taxi starting fee in Istanbul is 90 TL, and the per kilometer fee is 25.48 TL.
Car Rental
Many national and international car rental companies are actively serving at Istanbul Airport. Major companies include: Sixt, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Garenta, Enterprise. Reservations can also be made online.
Transfer
VIP transfer services are also quite common in 2025. Especially for large groups or business trips, private chauffeured car transfers can be easily arranged from the airport terminals.
Last Updated: 12/17/2025 - Wednesday